LeagueNews - Cerebral Palsy League

League NewsQ UEENSLANDVOLUME 29 • NUMBER 1 • AUTUMN 2005Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland Quarterly MagazineDon’t Dump It, Donate ItARIA winning, Brisbane band Georgelaunched the League’s Don’t Dump It,Donate It program during March, to advisemobile phone users that their old mobilespose a serious health and environmentalrisk – but could be used to raise funds forpeople with cerebral palsy instead.Queenslanders are literally throwing awaymillions of dollars in support for charityeach year through discarded and unusedmobile phones.An estimated ten million defunct phonesare being kept in Australian households,thousands of which could eventually findtheir way into landfill through garbagedisposal.To reverse this trend, members of Georgelaunched the Don’t Dump It Donate Itprogram, which collects and reusesdefunct mobile phones, whilst raisinginvaluable funds – up to five dollars perphone – for the Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland.The program helps to limit theenvironmental damage caused bydumping old mobile phones, which endup in landfill and leak toxic chemicals intothe groundwater, contaminate soil andeventually affect the food chain.The Aussie Recycling Program (ARP),through which Don’t Dump It, Donate Itwill operate, states that in sufficientconcentrations, the hazardous chemicalscontained in mobiles may cause healthproblems.“Chemicals such as these are associatedwith a range of adverse human healthGeorge puts the callout to Queenslandersto ring up thefundraising dollars forpeople with cerebralpalsy:ARIA winning Brisbaneband, George launch theDon’t Dump It, Donate Itmobile phone recyclingprogram in King GeorgeSquare during March, for theCerebral Palsy League ofQueensland.Don’t Dump It, Donate It aimsto raise up to five dollars foreach dufunct mobile phonedonated.Front (left to right): NickStewart and League client,Alex Freeme, 14, with sisterBrigitte.Back (left to right): TyNoonan, Sue Freeme, KatieNoonan.Photograph courtesy ofBrad Marsellos, QuestNewspapers.See page 10 for moreevent information.What’s Up?Sad Farewell ............. page 2CP Register .............. page 5Siblings ..................... page 7QA Landmark............. page 9Events ....................... page 10Offers ........................ page 13Coming Up ................ page 16effects, including damage to the nervoussystem, reproductive and developmentalproblems, cancer and genetic impacts,”ARP published.“The Don’t Dump It, Donate It programguarantees zero pollution to landfill,”League Manager for Marketing andFundraising, Margaret Scott said.“What cannot be re-used is recycled –components are extracted to be used asspare parts and older phones that areseriously damaged are sent for materialrecycling with licensed recyclers.“Both people with cerebral palsy and theenvironment will benefit greatly from thisprogram.“Based on an estimated value of fivedollars per recycled phone, there’spotentially $50 million-plus that could beraised through recycling the 10 milliondefunct mobile phones currently kept inAustralian households,” she said.Members of George appealed toQueensland residents and businesses todonate unwanted mobile phones to theLeague or install a Don’t Dump It, DonateIt collection bin in their school or office.For further information, contact:The Event and Fundraising OfficerPh: 07 3358 8125Email: fmason@cplqld.org.aui dream, therefore I am1

A Changing of the guardDear friends,I am sad to announce that the Boardmeeting on 12 March was my lastofficial function for the Cerebral PalsyLeague of Queensland.My wife, Carolyn and I have made thedecision to move to Great Britain inJuly, where I hope to continue myinvolvement with cerebral palsy,special education and children.I’ve been associated with thisorganisation for 25 years, since thebirth of our son, Jamie, who gave usalmost 11 years of love andenjoyment despite his severephysical difficulties, but who left us in1990. Since then, Carolyn and ourdaughter, Carly, have encouraged meto maintain my involvement andcommitment to the League, and Ileave it after almost 16 years on theBoard of Directors.It’s a fact that for so many years, theLeague has been a daily part of mylife.I don’t begrudge that long connectionbecause in 25 years, I’ve metcountless people who just leave mein awe of their determination tosucceed in spite of their situation:• people with cerebral palsy whosedetermination and successmakes me feel so inadequate,• parents whose lives have beenchallenged but also changed andfocussed and enriched by havinga family member with cerebralpalsy,• League staff who have committedthemselves way beyond just “ajob” to work with our clients,• people such as teachers andcarers who work so hard to enrichthe lives of children and adults withcerebral palsy,• and Board members throughoutthe years who have given so muchof their time and so many of theirweekends, often without any familyconnection to cerebral palsy, tomake sure that we have a strong,vibrant organisation.I believe we have a strong,committed, respected organisationthat is without doubt in my mind, themost credible service provider inQueensland.I believe that we, as an organisation,are currently seen by the2governments who provide the bulk ofthe money we use to provideservices, and by the corporate worldwho donate, and most importantly,members, as being:• well-managed by the Board andsenior management,• financially responsible and viable,• progressive• a leader in the disability field• an aggressive advocate for peoplewith cerebral palsy, and mostimportantly• as committed to quality outcomesfor our clients.Our success is the result ofeveryone’s commitment – our Board,our extremely competent SeniorManagement team led by CEO,Bruce Milligan and Manager ServiceDevelopment and Policy, Geoff Rowe,a happy and committed staff, andstrong support from members.Being on the Board hasn’t all been justa giving experience.I believe I’m a better person for havingbeen part of the organisation.The League is a massive andcomplex business which, if anything,is more difficult to run successfullythan most commercial businesses.It doesn’t sell its products or servicesfor a commercial profit, andsubsequently it will always need ahighly skilled, responsible Board andmanagement to keep it financiallyviable.Keeping this in mind, on Friday 11March, the Board convened a specialmeeting to elect its new Chairpersonfollowing my resignation, and I ampleased to say that the position is nowin the capable hands of long timeBoard Director, Rowena McNally.I’m going to leave the organisationknowing that I’ll be replaced bysomeone who I believe, and theBoard believes, will do an outstandingjob as the new Chairperson.Rowena brings a wide variety of skillsto the position, that will be invaluableto the organisation during the excitingtimes ahead.I hope that Rowena will receive thefull support that she has given meduring my time on the Board.I would like to thank my fellowExecutive Members, the DeputyChairman, Stephen Brady, whoworked so hard in that position overrecent years, and who I know willcontinue to work hard for the League.Thank you also to Susan Rix for herwise financial counsel.As long as the League continues tohave a successful combination of astrong client representative body inthe Client Consultative Committee(CCC), which focuses on servicedelivery, and a Board whosemembers have those importantprofessional skills both in servicedelivery and in business, it willcontinue to prosper and providequality services.The League needs a strong, vocalclient body on the one hand, and askilled and diversified Board on theother.I believe passionately that if thosetwo very different roles wereconfused, the organisation wouldcreate a difficult future for itself.Finally, I want to say thank you to allof my fellow Board members for theirdedication to the League and peoplewith cerebral palsy, and for theirsupport and friendship.Thank you too, to League membersfor having faith in me, and allowingme to play a small part for theCerebral Palsy League ofQueensland.Laurie LassigChairman 2003-2005Cerebral Palsy League of QldABN 27 009 942 269PO Box 386 FORTITUDE VALLEY Qld 400655 Oxlade Drive NEW FARM Qld 4005www.cplqld.org.auExecutive Management TeamBRUCE MILLIGAN, Chief Executive OfficerPhone: (07) 3358 8003 Fax: (07) 3254 1291Email: bmilligan@cplqld.org.auGEOFF ROWE, Service Development & PolicyPhone: (07) 3358 8014 Fax: (07) 3358 8108Email: growe@cplqld.org.auGREG CUFFE, Organisational ServicesPhone: (07) 3358 8064 Fax: (07) 3254 7387Email: gcuffe@cplqld.org.auSTUART PILTON, Human ResourcesPhone: (07) 3358 8078 Fax: (07) 3358 8103Email: spilton@cplqld.org.auMARGARET SCOTT, Marketing & FundraisingPhone: (07) 3358 8090 Fax: (07) 3358 2495Email: mscott@cplqld.org.au

Parents and GuardiansUpdateTHE League is in the process ofdeveloping a new Corporate Plan2005 – 2008.A focus group consisting ofrepresentatives from the Parents andGuardians Association, SevenoaksRelatives, Residents and Friendsand clients was held on 5 February.An external facilitator, Mr AlanAnderson of BDO Kendells, and theLeague’s Project Officer Ms KerynFox conducted the meeting.I would like to express myappreciation to the parents andclients who, at very short notice,attended this meeting.The final planning workshop to be heldon 16 April will aim to develop the keystrategic directions to be incorporatedinto the Corporate Plan.The venue is yet to be confirmed.Refurbishment work on the NewFarm Project is ahead of schedule.A Fig Tree Pocket Users Groupmeeting was held at Sevenoaks on23 February.The project is nearing the stagewhere the overall proposal can besubmitted to the Board for approval.I would like to commend the Planningand Project Committee for theamount of extra time, out of normalworking hours that they have givento the project.We are now receiving a ServicesActivity Report after each Boardmeeting and the material containedin these will cover the wide range ofLeague services.Reports will be available for yourinformation at our next Parents andGuardians Association meeting.One concern from the report underAdult Services North, which will affectPrintabout, is the comment that, “from1 July 2005 all funding will beindividualised with block grants beingterminated”.The Senior Professional Team issupporting the new child and familysupport services, in Mackay.The team has also been involved insignificant recruitment in alldisciplines and regions, includingRockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg,Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Nambour,and Brisbane Metro.The League is doing a good job.I hope these new initiatives make usproud of the Cerebral Palsy Leagueof Queensland and that we continueto support our management and stafffor the job they are doing to help usall.Joan WilliamsPresidentParents & Guardians AssociationLetter to the EditorI travelled to Sydney to attend the 5 thTrans-Pacific Bridges ofUnderstanding conference onspirituality and disability, inNovember last year.My main purpose in attending wasto acquire new ideas and insights onthe subject, as I am writing a thesisfor my Master of Theological Studies.During the conference, I ran a veryproductive workshop raising variousissues on disability arising from mystory.The conference aimed to provide anopportunity across a spectrum offaiths to engage in dialogue and sharebeliefs, attitudes and experiences.It offered an environment in which thestories of people with disabilities,their families and supporters couldbe told and heard.The conference built on the richtraditions of personal accounts andcritical analysis, which had beendeveloped during previousconferences in Brisbane, Adelaide,Melbourne and Wellington.L Nason, StaffordLeague News EditorPO Box 386Fortitude Valley, Q 4006The Editor reserves the right to publish one letterper edition of League News, and the right todecide the respondent.Letters will not be responded to individually, andno correspondence will be entered in to.Responses are no substitute for seekingindividual consultation with regard to queries.Margot HansfordReeve14 February 1933 –18 February 2005MORE than 100 people gatheredto share thoughts and stories ofthe wonderful lady, who wasMargot Reeve, a well- known andearly permanent resident of theLeague’s Sevenoaks residence atFig Tree Pocket.Family members, including MsReeve’s brother Charles,Sevenoaks staff and the League’sBoard of Directors remembered herlife and residency during A Refectionand Celebration, hosted at theSevenoaks on 11 March, incelebration of the woman who livedher life to the full; who loved travellingand who recently attended theTamworth Country Music Festival.Ms Reeve remained fiercely proud ofher family’s involvement in the sellingof their Fig Tree Pocket land to theLeague in 1959 for the purpose ofbuilding a residence for adults withcerebral palsy.Speakers at the reflection notedthat without Ms Reeve and herfamily’s involvement with theQueensland Spastic WelfareLeague, Sevenoaks in its past,present and proposed future form,would not have come to be.Crossroads, Pathwayz,Henderson Centre and Little Kingsrepresentatives also rememberedMs Reeve for her involvement withtheir agencies over the years.Ms Reeve enjoyed good health andgood humour to the last.She was farewelled in style - atribute to the lady she was.3

4WELCOME to another actionpacked year.My colleagues and I almost feel wehave done a year’s work already.Your current State CCCrepresentatives for 2005 are asfollows:Byron Albury (Adult ServicesSouth Region) – ChairmanTerry Donaldson (Adult ServicesNorth Region) – Deputy ChairmanPeter Shields (Adult ServicesNorth Region)Shane McFarlane (Adult ServicesNorth Region)Christine Cameron (AdultServices South Region)John Rynn (Adult Services SouthRegion)Jenny Johnson (Gold CoastRegion)The League Board Directorsregularly attending State CCCmeetings are Des Orr(Toowoomba) and Kevin Rodgers(Brisbane).The State CCC discussed severalissues at its first formal meeting on26 February, including theCorporate Planning Consultationsbeing held throughout Queensland,The Fig Tree PocketRedevelopment Project, revisitingthe proposed Terms of Referencefor the State CCC and preparationsfor the 9 th Annual Client Conventionto be held on Saturday 20 August atRiverside Receptions, New Farm.Four State CCC representativeshave been asked to attend the daylong Corporate Planning Workshopin April.It is really good to see that yourrepresentatives, while a small groupof people, can bring about changeand be included as a keyrepresentative consultancy body.My members and I are also keepinga promise made last year to ventureout to another region of theorganisation.Our first stop will be the Gold Coaston 2 April to support the Gold Coastrepresentative, Jenny Johnson.I also met with the League’sManager Service Development andPolicy, Geoff Rowe, with regard toflagging any major matters the StateCCC can be involved in throughout2005 in a consultative capacity.State CCC members also send oursincere condolences to the familiesof Margot Reeve and PeterJackson.As Chairman of the State CCC Iwas asked by the people ofSevenoaks to join them for theReflection and Celebration for theLife of Margot Reeve on 11 March.As well as my State CCC Chairman“hat” I have accepted a three yearappointment as the Deputy Chair ofthe Greater Brisbane DisabilityCouncil of Queensland.As you can imagine I feel like I havea very busy year ahead.However, as I have alreadymentioned, while I still have thepassion to fulfil the role of Chairmanof the State CCC entrusted to me Iwill continue to do what is in the bestinterests of League service usersand their families and all the otherstakeholders.My members and I look forward toserving you again throughout 2005.If you would like to get in touch withme for any reason you can do sothrough:Leanne CeccatoPh: 07 3358 8050orYvonne Donnan0413 201 049I always have time for inquiries andfeedback.See you in the next edition.Byron AlburyChairmanState Client ConsultativeCommitteeSaintly contributionTHE St George Foundation grantedenough funding for League ClientClayton Sleeman, 11, to purchase alaptop computer, portableprinter,Co:Writer 4000 wordprediction software and Access Maths4 graphical maths program.Clayton has cerebral palsy - diplegiawith upper limb involvement, whichaffects his writing, making itnecessary for him to use a computerto complete written work.With the new laptop he can do writtenwork in any classroom, which will beimportant as he moves to high schoolnext year.With practice, the League’s StateWide Outreach Team (SWOT) hopethat the Co:Writer 4000 will bring hiswritten work up to speed, and AccessMaths 4 will allow him to completemaths that would normally requiretools he cannot manipulate.With his cordless portable printer,Clayton can then produce a hardcopyof his work in class.Wish come trueGOLD COAST Adult Day ProgramCoordinator, Noeleen Hastings placedthe League’s name on the Gold FMwishing tree during the Christmasbreak, for an air-conditioner and DVDplayer for the Labrador group room.The next day she received a call fromthe radio station to say the wish wouldbe granted by Retravision Southport.She was told the news on air andmany of the Day Service clients andfamilies heard the announcement.Dining outTHE LinX Dinner Club providespeople with disabilities, who don’trequire assistance with meals, theopportunity to get together with friendsand explore new and differentrestaurants and cuisine.Evenings include transportarrangements to and fromrestaurants, good company andsupport from a staff person.Meals and drinks will need to be paidfor individually.For further information, contact:LinX Dinner ClubPh: 07 3284 6787

Queensland Cerebral PalsyHealth ServiceLAST year, Minister for Health, the HonGordon Nuttall MP announced theallocation of $1 million to establish acoordinated health program to helpQueensland children with cerebral palsy.Queensland Health was pleased toannounce the current development of theQueensland Cerebral Palsy HealthService (QCPHS), which is due foroperation in June this year.The QCPHS was funded to develop anumber of specialist health servicesincluding:• Hip surveillance and treatment program• Botulinum Toxin Program Expansion(BTX-A)• Single Event Multilevel OrthopaedicSurgery (SEMLS)• Other new spasticity treatments, suchas Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Therapyand Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy(SDR)The QCPHS will work closely with stafffrom the League to ensure that its servicesare coordinated with the care that theLeague provides to Queensland childrenwith cerebral palsy, and their families.Dr Lynne McKinlay, RehabilitationSpecialist, and Ms Megan Kentish, SeniorPhysiotherapist with the QueenslandPaediatric Rehabilitation Service, RoyalChildren’s Hospital will coordinate the taskof establishing the service.“We are pleased to be given thisopportunity to improve specialist healthservices for children with CP and theirfamilies, and to continue our close workingrelationship with League staff,” DrMcKinlay said.“We are committed to improving thehealth of children with cerebral palsy inQueensland,” she said.Both Dr McKinlay and Ms Kentish arealready familiar with some Leaguefamilies through their valuable work withthe Botulinum Toxin program.Queensland Health has also employedNancy Hoyes as Project Manager for theQCPHS over the next 12 months, to workwith Dr McKinlay and Ms Kentish, to helpestablish the QCPHS.Ms Hoyes worked with the League duringthe 1980s and, after 20 years working withchildren through Queensland Health, wasexcited to be part of the project and theopportunities it would provide.During the next few months the QCPHSwill send information on its services tofamilies on the League’s mailing list.This information will provide further detailsabout the QCPHS and invite feedback,questions or concerns.Queensland Cerebral PalsyRegister:New hope for the futureprevention of cerebral palsyAUSTRALIAN of the Year 2003, ProfessorFiona Stanley, has spent decadesresearching the incidence of conditionslike spina bifida and cerebral palsy throughthe use of state-wide population registers.She advocated strongly for theestablishment of good informationsystems to investigate the causes ofconditions like these and, last year, theQueensland State Government agreed tohelp by providing ongoing funding for theestablishment of a Queensland CerebralPalsy Register (QCPR).The QCPR would be used to aid progresstowards the prevention of cerebral palsyas well as provide governments andservice providers with information toestablish better services based onoutcomes and circumstances of peoplewith cerebral palsy in Queensland.Never before in Queensland has therebeen a comprehensive source ofinformation where people with cerebralpalsy live, their housing needs, educationand employment circumstances, and thetypes of circumstances that contributedto their condition.Prevention and better servicesfor people with Cerebral PalsyThe QCPR will provide information thatwill:• Help researchers to find and preventcauses of cerebral palsy,• Help clinicians to understand theoutcomes of interventions by lookingat long term outcomes, and• Help services to plan and organise theirservices to meet the needs of peoplewith cerebral palsy wherever they live.For further information on theQueensland Cerebral PalsyRegister, Australian CerebralPalsy Register, how to register,or uses of informationprovided to the Register,please contact:A secure register for the bestinformationThe QCPR has a secure Web interface,which will allow people to see and updatetheir own information on-line, 24 hours aday.As a security measure, Information isprotected by two firewalls to preventunauthorized access, as well as a 128bit encryption password protected accessfacility, which onlyallows Queensland Databaseadministrators and the password holder,to see their personal information.Good choices for people withcerebral palsyAs QCPR is consent based, participantscan choose to place their information onthe register, or not.Once on the register, they can alsochoose to allow the registry staff to informthem of research opportunities.Participants can elect to allow nonidentifyinginformation to be provided tothe Australian Cerebral Palsy Register.These different consents can be addedto, removed or changed by participantsthrough the QCPR web interface, or bycalling the registry on 07 3358 8122.There is no charge, no delay and no limitto changes.Australian Cerebral Palsy RegisterOnce the Australian Cerebral PalsyRegister (ACPR) begins, it will housenon-identifying information aboutparticipants with cerebral palsy inAustralia.It will never collect or hold identifyinginformation which could be used toidentify individuals.If consent is given, the state registrieswill send relevant birth and health caredetails to the ACPR when children turnfive years old.The ACPR is a huge database, whichwill be used to identify the variouscauses of cerebral palsy and greatlyassist the progress towardsprevention.Emma BevisThe Database AdministratorQueensland Cerebral Palsy RegisterPh: 07 3358 8122fax: 07 3358 8143ebevis@cplqld.org.auwww.qcpr.org.au5

AustraliaETSwww.cplqld.org.au/etsPRODUCT HIGHLIGHT:Gelârt Prone StanderTHE Gelârt Prone Stander is anexcellent choice for customerswho need a supportive, functionaland user-friendly standing frame.Manufactured in two sizes, tocater for nine-year-olds through toadulthood, the Gelârt ProneStander is made of marine gradeply and selected timbers, fittingcomfortably into the home orschool environment.Like many of the clever Gelârtproducts, the Prone Stander foldsflat for storage and glides easilyaround on four lockable castorswhen in use.The large tray (included) providesa great work and play surface.Therapists will enjoy the simplicitywith which the Gelârt ProneStander can be tailored for theindividual’s postural needs, andhow easily it can be adjusted forgrowth.Because of the bulk and cost ofthis equipment, we do not alwayshave a demo unit on the floor.However, if you are interested intaking a look, we do have a SeniorGelârt Prone Stander currentlyavailable for a very limited time atGeebung - please contact us assoon as possible if you would liketo take a look.See it at http://www.cplqld.org.au/ets/otherproducts/standing/proneETS AustraliaEquipment for Every Body354 Bilsen RoadGeebung Q 4034Ph: 07 3637 6360Fax: 07 3637 6361www.cplqld.org.au/etsScreech Theatre performers, acting up: (left to right) League clients Laura Solomon, ErinCowan, William Beanland. Photograph by Chris Pye, Interaction Drama.Screeching into theLimelightMORE than 250 people flocked toCorinda State High School’s theatreto witness the first performances ofBrisbane’s newest mixed abilitytheatre group, during December.The Screech Theatre Company, acollaborative project formed by theCerebral Palsy League ofQueensland, Interaction Drama andthe Brisbane City Council, useddrama to help reduce social isolationfor young people with cerebral palsyand provide a creative and inclusivespace for young people with andwithout disabilities.The team initially developed an eightweekpilot project in March of lastyear, which engaged 12 youngpeople, nine with disabilities andthree without, in a process of dramaskill-building, which would lay thefoundations for the group’s furtherdevelopment.Through the success of this pilot,Brisbane City Council granted fundsfor a full performance project to takeplace and over three months, a groupof nine young people and supportworkers had devised, scripted andrehearsed a compelling theatre pieceexploring the experiences of youngpeople with disabilities and theirrelationships with the widercommunity.Corinda State High Schoolsupported The Screech TheatreCompany by offering the use of itsdrama facilities and the committedsupport of the school’s SpecialEducation Unit (SEU) team.Drama teacher, Maureen Billiaubecame an integral and invaluablemember of the project team andwas committed to creating furtheropportunities for greater integrationof students with disabilities,through drama.“As a teacher I wanted to actuallyget a better handle on how toinclude people with disabilities inthe classroom and I thought thiswas just a fantastic opportunity todo that,” Ms Billiau said.“They have so much to say; somuch passion, and they can reallycommunicate using drama.”Plans are well underway for asecond series of drama skillsworkshops, followed by a theatreproject for 2005.For more information about TheScreech Theatre Company,contact:Child & Family SupportServicesPh: 07 3347 7200wratten@cplqld.org.au6

Ipswich Sibling ProjectTHE newly developed IpswichSiblings Network providesopportunities for those agedbetween five and 15 years, to bechildren and free from theresponsibilities charged to them bybeing a brother or sister ofsomeone with a disability.Opportunities to develop networkswithin the community will beencouraged through trust activitiesand exercises facilitated by staff andvolunteers, such as horse riding,low rope courses, canoeing,drama, music and art.The network focuses on armingsiblings with skills to cope with beingan adult carer to their brother orsister when they are older, as theirparents are less able to do so.The Ipswich Siblings Network is acollaborative project between theCerebral Palsy League ofQueensland, Ipswich disabilityservice provider - Focal Extended,and Disability Services Queensland(DSQ).It is funded through a grant from theBaxter Charitable Foundation andcommunity fundraising efforts.For further information or to becomea volunteer, please contact:Ipswich TeamPh: 07 3282 0466childrensipswichteam@cplqld.org.auTrike with a twistSEVERAL years of Christmaswishes came true for Leagueclient, Madeline Dusting-Williams,when she received a tricycle witha twist for the holidays.Donated by the Brisbane ApexClub, the AmTryke, which is aspecially designed tricycle forchildren with a disability, joined theLeague’s Equipment Loans Libraryand will be available for children toloan and trial on a short-termbasis.The therapeutic tricycle has onlyrecently become available inAustralia, featuring a chain drivesystem that enables both therider’s arms and legs to propel thetrike and safety straps and belts –essential for children with reducedcontrol over their muscles andwho have difficulties with balance.“Many young children receivebikes, however this really is aspecial gift for children with adisability,” Margaret Scott,Manager Marketing andFundraising for the League said.Brisbane City Apex Club president,Chris Morahan said Apexparticipated in a cycle-a-thon inCanada last year, to raise enoughmoney to purchase an Amtryke foreach Australian state and territory- almost five thousand dollars pertrike.“ As president for the Brisbane CityApex Club and national treasurer,I really wanted to bring one backto Queensland for our kids withdisabilities,” Mr Morahan said.“Cerebral palsy is the mostcommon form of physical disabilityin childhood, who better to give itto than them, especially when somany kids can share it through theequipment library,” he said.For further information about theLeague’s Equipment LoansLibrary, contact:The Equipment Loans LibraryPh: 07 3347 7200cfsssth@cplqld.org.auPerpetual giving: Charlie Fraser ofPerpetual Trustees presented a grant to theCerebral Palsy League of Queensland, onbehalf of the Baxter Charitable Foundationfor the Ipswich Siblings Project.(Left to right) Social Worker, JudithVandenbrink; Perpetual’s Senior FinancialConsultant, Charlie Fraser, and LeagueCEO, Bruce Milligan.Above: League client, Madeline, 7, with her mother, Emma enjoyed the wind in their hair asthey travelled around New Farm park on the League Equipment Library’s new Amtryke,donated by the Brisbane City Apex Club.Photograph by Heather Faulkner, The Courier Mail.7

Sunshine CoastUpdateRECENTLY the Child andFamily Support Services Teamat the Sunshine Coast officein Nambour underwentseveral staff changes.As a result, it has three newteam members: ProgramCoordinator, Mellisa Dunphy,Social Worker, ChristineHegerty, and AdministrationAssistant, Joanne Griffiths.Its In-Home Coordinator,Michelle Knights announcedher resignation recently, afterseveral years of service.The League and the SunshineCoast Team wish Michelle allthe very best in her futureendeavours.MealtimeConsultancy ServiceFEBRUARY saw the firstMealtime Consultancy Service(MCS) at Nambour, whichaimed to provide aninterdisciplinary teamassessment of mealtimeskills.Oral skills, swallow abilityand self-feeding skillswere observed and anassessment completed withrecommendations made inregard to feeding equipment,positioning and textures.Three families attended thefirst MCS and a second will beheld on 8 May.Organisers hope to hold MCSseach term.These include SpeechPathologists, OccupationalTherapists, Physiotherapistsand Social Workers, as well asSenior Therapist Teamrepresentatives, Katy Caynesand Annabelle Marozza.Commonwealth HealthDietician, Deb Paterson wasalso involved.Solving the Mystery:Transition to highschool groupSTUDENTS helped solve themystery when they attended the MtGravatt office earlier this year, toparticipate in the program: Solvingthe Mystery, which providedinformation and skills buildingactivities for students starting gradeeight.The group covered topics such aswhat high school was like, problemsolving, friendships, assertiveness,peer pressure and how to relax andlook after themselves. This wasdone through activities with adetective theme as well asmeetings and friendship forming.VolunteersLEAGUE Volunteer for the MoorookaDay Service, Margaret Beckettrecently sustained injuries includinga cracked sternum, in a serious caraccident.Ms Beckett volunteered, twice a weekfor more than three and a half years,to share her knowledge and skills incraftwork with people attending theDay Service.With a technical tutoring backgroundin dressmaking, Ms Beckettsometimes brought her overlocker, ortook items home for completion whenthings became busy during the annualpreparations for the client’s stall at theMoorooka Street Festival.The League sends Margaret bestwishes for a speedy recovery as hercontribution is sorely missed.Jeanette Campbell’s contribution isalso most appreciated at theMoorooka Day Service, where shehas volunteered her time every weekfor the past two years.Ms Campbell said she and Leagueclient, Olive May, “togetheraccomplish something important”,when she assists her to keep in touchwith her family and friends by writingletters and sending emails, as well asreceiving correspondence in return.“It’s a time when we have funtogether,” Ms May said of herrelationship with Ms Campbell.Students reported feeling morepositive about their first week athigh school having learnedsomething useful.A follow up session will be held toreview their experiences duringTerm One.Solving the Mystery will be offeredagain in the Easter school holidaysto students in grade eight.Students who met with difficultiesduring Term One or who areinterested in making friends andlearning new skills may benefitfrom the program.For further information, contact:Child & Family Support ServicesPh: 07 3347 7200lbrooker@cplqld.org.au“When I get tired, Jeanette types whatI say.”“We are very close,” she said.Centre-based Day ProgramFacilitator, Pedro Guillen-Cordondescribed Ms Campbell and MsBeckett as an amazing support.“Everyone here enjoys their companyand looks forward to their arrival eachweek,” Mr Guillen-Cordon said.“They are valued members of theservice.”For volunteering enquiries or receivingassistance from a volunteer, contact:The Volunteer CoordinatorPh: 07 3358 8008jpanter@cplqld.org.auEnjoying special times: (left to right)League client, Olive May with Volunteer,Jeanette Campbell at the Moorooka DayService.8

Landmark Achievement:Quality AssuranceCertificationTHE Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland celebrated becoming thefirst major, statewide not-for-profitdisability service provider inQueensland to achieve ISO 9001Quality Assurance (QA) Certification– resulting in more consistent andhigher quality services forQueenslanders with cerebral palsy.Minister for Disabilities, the HonorableWarren Pitt, presented thecertification to League representativesat an informal ceremony duringMarch.“The certification demonstrates theLeague’s ability to provide qualityservices and showcases ourleadership in the sector,” CEO of theLeague, Mr Bruce Milligan said.“This is a great milestone for disabilityservices and points to the start of anew level of service and thus, betterquality of life for our clients.“Although the certification is notcompulsory for organisations, itprovides a good framework to ensurestandards set by various fundingbodies are met,” he said.To gain certification, the Leaguewas required to review all of itspolicies and practices to ensurethey were of a quality standard.“We developed a QualityManagement System(QMS) clearly outliningthe League’s policies,procedures andvarious servicesacross all regions,”Mr Milligan said.“Staff have receivedtraining to ensure aconsistent standardof operation andwe’ll provideongoing trainingopportunities in thecoming months.”“Both staff andclients of theLeague will benefitthrough improvedcommunicationchannels, whichwill allow staff tofocus more on service provision,”he said.Achieving Quality Assurance will alsoenable ongoing improvement of theLeague’s services.“The QMS will not only maintain thequality of services but ensurecontinuous improvement of theseservices,” Mr Milligan said.Quality Assurance Project Officer,Keryn Fox said the QMS must alsobe maintained for the League to keepits certification under ISO 9001.“The certification lasts for three years,however, the system will be externallyaudited each year, by Benchmark -which is accredited under the jointaccreditation system of Australian andNew Zealand, JAZ ANZ,” Ms Fox said.“We will also be performing internalaudits on an annual basis to makesure everything is as it should be,”she said.Below: League Quality Assurance Project Officer,Keryn Fox received a certificate of accreditationunder Benchmark’s ISO 9001, from Minister forCommunities, the Honorable Warren Pitt, on behalfof Head Office.Above: Community liaison Officer, GaryHewitt (left), accepted a cheque from Wildeand Wollard Director, Colin Woodhouse, forproceeds from the Australian Institute ofQuantity Surveyors’ annual golf day.Surveying fundsTHE Australian Institute of QuantitySurveyors chose the CerebralPalsy League of Queensland asrecipient of the profits from theirannual golf day at Indooroopilly.The firm overseeing theredevelopment work atthe League’s HeadOffice in New Farm,Wilde and Woollard,nominated theLeague for theproceeds.9

Pictured: (left to right) Aussie pop legend, Normie Rowe with star of Aussie flick Undead, Felicity Mason, and the star of Big Brother Up Late, MikeGoldman - coloured in to raise funds for children and adults with cerebral palsy for the League’s newest fundraiser - Colour Your Day.Colour Your Day:Pop legend dazzling inpsychedelic styleAUSSIE pop legend and sixtiesicon, Normie Rowe, dazzledBrisbane in a swirl of colours, withstar of Big Brother Up Late, MikeGoldman, to launch the inauguralColour Your Day fundraiser.Challenging even the mosteccentric fashion critics, Normiedonned his most outrageouslycolourful outfit – psychedelic style– to launch the Cerebral PalsyLeague of Queensland’s newestfundraiser.Normie Rowe volunteered aspatron of Colour Your Day event,which proved itself oneof the state’s largest fundraisingevents.“We’re thrilled to have Australia’s first‘King of Pop’ Normie Rowe on boardfor the inaugural fundraiser,” LeagueCEO, Mr Bruce Milligan said.“He’s a true musical legend, havingentertained Australians for over 40years.“His humanitarian spirit is also aninspiration, as he’s worked tirelesslyfor many years for better conditionsfor Veterans,” he said.Individuals and groups fromthroughout Queensland donned theirmost lively and colourful clothes toschool or work during Colour YourDay week to show support for peoplewith cerebral palsy.Participants were encouraged tomake a gold coin donation,purchase a keytag, pen or soft toy,with all funds raised going towardshelping thousands ofQueenslanders with cerebralpalsy.“Even before the launch, wereceived a significant interest in thefundraiser from Queenslandbusinesses and schools,” EventCoordinator, Rebecca Lucas said.“The response was fantastic andwe were confident the fundraiserwould become one of the biggestin Queensland, in terms of thenumber and geographic spread ofparticipants.”10

Boardroom Blitz:Studio 54 RevistedPictrued: (left to right) North Queensland Cowboys, Jaiman Lowe, Paul Rauhihi and Travis Nortontook their bright blue Howdy Hats off to the League for its newest fundraiser Colour Your Day, andshow support for thousands of people with cerebral palsy.Photograph by Stacey Bancks, North Queensland Toyota Cowboys.Yee Ha!THE North Queensland ToyotaCowboys kicked off the NRL seasonthis year by getting the blues - forcharity.Showing off their true colours insupport of people with cerebralpalsy, players threw their weightbehind the League’s newestfundraiser – Colour Your Day.Several hundred Queenslandbusinesses and schools signed upto participate in Colour Your Day,many of which heralded from thenorth Queensland region, includingTownsville, home of the NorthQueensland Toyota Cowboys.BOARDROOM Blitz is bringingback the Farrah hair, platformheels and disco glo-mesh suitsthis year with “Studio 54Revisited”.Planning has already begun for2005, with the call going out tocorporate bands to bring back the1970s music of Blondie, Bee-Gees, ABBA, The Sweet and theVillage People.The League is looking for peoplewho don’t get embarrassed whenthey’re caught singing into a hairbrush; who play drums with thecutlery, or who can be found doingtheir best Jimi Hendrix with atennis racquet.If you know any frustrated musoswho long to be recognised, friendsor family members who dream ofbeing a rockstar - we want them.Dare them to bare their musicalsouls to the world, and enter aband into Boardroom Blitz 2005.Band entries are still open, so formore information on this hugerock ‘n’ roll extravaganza, contact:The Event CoordinatorPh: 07 3358 8088rlucas@cplqld.org.auStop Press!THE Australian Cerebral PalsyAssociation (ACPA), which is anational body formed from theorganisations which provideservices and supports topeople with cerebral palsy in allAustralian states andterritories, will change itsname.The ACPA will soon be knownas CP Australia, and carry thesame branding as that featuredon the CP Australia magazineissued during last year’sNaitonal Cerebral PalsyAwareness Week.We just like them ‘cause they’re good withbread: (pictured) Tutored by former manager forthe Rolling Stones, Sam Cutler, Brumby’s Bakeriesburned up the stage at Boardroom Blitz 2004 withtheir band - Grateful Bread, which took out the“Preferred Third” position.Contact the Marketing and FundraisingDepartment for further information onBoardroom Blitz 2005.www.boardroomblitz.org.au1800 819 08611

MooloolabaMastersTHE Annual Trans Tasman GolfTournament will take place from29 May to 3 June, on theSunshine Coast at fourinternational golf courses.This year, the League is therecipient of the profits from theevent, which last year raisedapproximately $15,000.Teams of Aussies and Kiwis willenjoy a Bledisloe Cup typecompetition over four golf days.The Aussie team will becaptained by Australian cricketlegends, Jeff Thomson andDoug Walters, and ex-WallabyDick Marks.The Kiwi team will be captainedby All Black legend ColinMeads, Cricket legend SirRichard Hadlee andCommonwealth Gold Medalistrunner Dick Tayler.Entry is open to all male andfemale amateur golfers with anofficial handicap.Competition will be a combinedteam stableford over four dayswith four players in each team.Teams will be representingeither New Zealand or Australiain the overall competition.Trip of a lifetimeONE of the League’s more adventurousclients, Malcolm Lilley - returned to theland of Oz from an exciting three weekholiday to the United States of Americaand Hawaii, earlier this year.Mr Lilley travelled with his supportworker, Dale Sutherland, to the westcoast of the USA, visiting Los Angeles,San Francisco, and Yosemite beforeflying on to Memphis to visit Graceland.Qantas made special arrangements toassist Mr Lilley on and off flights, as wellas seating for him and Mr Sutherlandin a two-seat row, for greater comfort.In LA, the pair stayed at the SheratonAnaheim and visited Disneyland, whichthey found had several wheelchairaccessible rides, including a virtual carride.San Francisco proved more challenginghowever, because of the steep hills andlack of facilities for people with adisability.Yosemite National Park on the otherhand, was very wheelchair friendly, withlots of accessible trails, however,altitude did present difficulties for bothMr Lilley and Mr Sutherland’s breathing,making them both very tired.At Graceland, they were surprised athow small the house was, and werepleased by a great exhibition of Elvis’cars, bikes, private plane andcomplete collection of records andawards.Before returning home, the travellersflew to Hawaii for a few days, wherethey hired a convertible and cruised theisland beaches to watch surfers.Mr Lilley said the trip overseas was thebest thing he had ever done, and isalready planning his next holiday.He said anyone with a disability should,“just do it”.For further information, visit:www.mooloolabamasters.comWatching the sun set over a fantastic holiday: (left to right) League client, Malcom Lilley withcarer, Dale Sutherland, on holiday overseas.Come in spinner - ArtUnion winnerTHE League has revamped its ArtUnions over the past severalcampaigns, by updating prizes andrewards to the value of $37,000 , aswell as introducing a Cash Art Unionfor those who would like to enter inthe draw for $10,000.While the Cash Art Union is a biannualdraw, supporters have up tosix chances a year to enter the drawfor Art Union prizes including cars,boats, a luxury travel package,camper van, electrical package orHarley Davidson.Book buyers will receive something alittle extra if their number is drawn - ashopping spree of up to $2000.To enter the League’s Art Union, orCash Art Union, contact:The Administration CoordinatorPh: 07 3358 8099vlove@cplqld.org.auThe Darlington family were over the moonwith their new ride, thanks to Ford and theCerebral Palsy League’s Art Union:Jason and Leisa Darlington with their childrenand representative from Bryan Byrt Ford,Damien English (right).12

Ariel’s Market -fundraising at homeARIEL’S Market donates 40 percentof profits generated from fundraisingto nominated projects or charities.It sells a range of everyday jewellerylike 9ct gold bracelets from as littleas $30 and 90cm semi preciousgemstone necklaces for under $20.To raise funds for the Cerebral PalsyLeague of Queensland, simplyarrange for 10-15 friends andneighbours to attend a morning orafternoon tea.Ariel’s Market will have arepresentative call and give a briefaddress to you guests about theLeague, and offer for sale thebeautiful Ariel Range at pricesguaranteed below retail.Purchases will be forwarded within14-21 days, along with confirmationof the donation it generated forpeople with cerebral palsy.Ariel’s Market only offers theopportunity for your guests to makea purchase, not the obligation topurchase.It is important to Ariel’s Market thatthe message about support forpeople with cerebral palsy is raisedwithin the community.For further information,contact:Renate GebuehrPh: 07 5534 1151Personal riskDANIELLA Pocock of ‘Personal Riskand Retirement Specialists’ (PRRS)will donate $100 for any supporter ofthe Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland, who places their LifeInsurance, Income Protection,Trauma Insurance andSuperannuation business with PRRS.Ph: 07 3272 6860 or 0421 757 669for an obligation free appointmentto discuss your insurancerequirements at no charge.PETALS will donate 25 percentof every online order to theLeague, when the number 7059is quoted.www.petals.com.auKitchenwareLiquidation Sell OutBrisbane RNA Show Grounds28 - 29 May 2005CONSIDERING buying somenew kitchenware or replacingsome old items with the latest andgreatest?One of the League’s corporatesupporters is having a liquidationsale to clear excess stock prior tothe end of year.You can be one of the thousandsof people expected to floodthrough the gates over theweekend of 28 and 29 May.The difference is, you have someadvanced notice of the pendingsale.Come and grab a real bargain andknow you are helping the Leaguein doing so.Gates open at the John ReidPavillion, Brisbane RNA ShowGrounds at 8am and close at6pm.Heaps of parking is available at theweekend.Don’t be late for the hundreds ofbargains.Knife block sets with a normalretail value of $99 will be sellingfor around $25.Up to 80 percent off normal retailprices on most items.Hundreds of items to choosefrom.BY booking all of your company’s businesstravel and encouraging your staff and clientsto book their leisure travel through the FlightCentre “Takeoff” 1800 003 903 number, youcan nominate the Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland to receive one percent of the totalprice of your booking.HOTLINE Vehicle Insuranceprovide a competitive vehicleinsurance quote, and willdonate five percent from newcontracts and renewals, to theCerebral Palsy League ofQueensland.1300 134 22213

QUEENSLANDCerebral PalsyLeague of QueenslandPlease phone 1800 819 086 for information on how toparticipate in our events, or for sponsorship opportunities.www.cplqld.org.au/mfr2 0 0 5Cerebral Palsy League of QueenslandADVENTURE CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY – continuous throughout 2005Adventure Challenge for Charity provides people with an opportunity to raise funds for charity and berewarded for their efforts! Challenges are designed for adventurous, energetic and curious people,or even those who just want to see the world.www.adventurechallenge.com.auMOOLOOLABA MASTERS – 29 th May to 3 rd JuneThe Freedom Air Mooloolaba Masters offers you the opportunity of a fun week of golf playing on four ofAustralia’s top resort courses right in the middle of the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland.Proceeds will benefit people with cerebral palsy. www.mooloolabamasters.comSUNDAY MAIL SUNCORP BRIDGE TO BRISBANE FUN RUN – Sunday 7 th AugustThe Cerebral Palsy League is a partner in the annual Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to BrisbaneFun Run. The League encourages corporate organisations to enter teams and purchasehearty breakfasts from the League upon completion of the race.The League is responsible for all corporate and general catering in New Farm Park afterthe race is finished. In return for our services, the Cerebral Palsy League of Queenslandshares in the proceeds of the corporate entries.NATIONAL CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS WEEK – 15 th to 21 st AugustJoin clients, families, staff and supporters of the League in celebrating National Cerebral Palsy Week.There are various activities throughout the state and country including open days, displays, art displays,media activities, guest speakers and educational seminars.With a theme in 2005 of “Technology”, our aim is to educate the community in the importance of theservices we provide and increase public awareness of cerebral palsy.PARLIAMENT HOUSE CHARITY GOLF CHALLENGE – Friday 26 th AugustThe Parliamentary Golf Day is an annual event on the League calendar. Don’t miss this amazingopportunity to play with a high profile list of parliamentarians and other business leaders atQueensland’s golf course on the bay, Wynnum Golf Course.On the day, participants are treated to a two course fine dining experience, green fees andgreat prizes for the winners of the day – plus nearest the pin and longest drive prizes.CONRAD TREASURY BOARDROOM BLITZ – Saturday 15 th OctoberConrad Treasury Boardroom Blitz is the ultimate business-to-business marketing and networkingopportunity of the new millennium. Boardroom Blitz is your opportunity to gain that rock ‘n’ roll fameyou have always desired! Boardroom Blitz is an icon corporate rock charity event, combining thehidden musical talents of the corporate world with the cream of society's celebrities.Showcase your company in an ultimate environment. Form a corporate band, we’ll provide rehearsaland coaching and all participating bands will be vying for accolades to be awarded byour very own celebrity panel.MELBOURNE CUP SWEEPS – Tuesday 1 st NovemberMelbourne Cup Day brings sweepstakes fever to Cup Day lunch functions at hotels around Brisbane.The Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland conducts sweepstakes prize draws at many Brisbane hotels,including the Conrad Treasury Hotel.Amidst fashion parades and the high drama of betting, smartly dressed volunteers sell sweepstakestickets to the punters before the big race. For those lucky enough to pick a winning horse,cash prizes are a just reward.INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY – Saturday 3 rd DecemberThe International Day of People with a DisAbility is part of a worldwide celebration that occurs on3 December each year.14International Day of People with a DisAbility is unique among community awareness days, as it unitesdisAbility organisations, individuals with a disAbility, businesses, federal, state and local governmentsand the community. The day is a collaborative effort to celebrate and acknowledge the experienceand expertise of people with a disability.

League LibraryTHE Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland (CPLQ) Libraryprovides a specialised libraryservice for clients, carers, family,staff, professionals and otheragencies interested in finding outmore about cerebral palsy andrelated issues.The CPLQ Library catalogue canbe accessed via the CerebralPalsy League of Queenslandwebsite:www.cplqld.org.auFrom the first week in April, theCPLQ Library will be located at:Cerebral Palsy League ofQueenslandLevel 2, 55 Oxlade DriveNew Farm Q 4005If you would like furtherinformation, or to make anappointment to access the Library,contact:The Information & ResourceCoordinatorPh: 07 33588036dcronan@cplqld.org.auHelp us, help othersMOTHER Nature tends to work inless obvious ways at times.Demand on League servicescontinues as more children arediagnosed with cerebral palsy andtheir service requirements continueinto adulthood.There are four fundamental issuesfor people with cerebral palsy, andthe League:• Cerebral palsy is one of the mostexpensive disabilities tomanage and provide servicesfor;• Equipment needs continue tochange and the ensuing costsare enormous;• Cerebral palsy is a life longdisability;• Cerebral palsy can occur in anyfamily and there is no cure.The League needs your financialassistance to maintain services toits current clients.In addition, one child born inAustralia every 18 hours withcerebral palsy.The need continues to grow andwithout your assistance we willstruggle to meet service demands.Please, dig deep.(See reverse for details)15

Yes!I want to help theCerebral Palsy Leagueof QueenslandComing Up...Please accept my donation of:$10 $20 $50 $ ____ Please find enclosed mycheque/money order madepayable to the:Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland Please debit my credit card: Bankcard Mastercard Visa Amex DinersCardholder’s name:_ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _Cardholder’s name:_____________________________Fun Run - Fun foreveryone:Sign up for this year’s Sunday MailSuncorp Bridge to Brisbane FunRunDUST off the running shoes and startpounding the pavement in preparationfor 7 August.The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge toBrisbane Fun Run is still a fewmonths away, so start preparing earlyfor the 4.25km short course.Enter the race and help raise fundsfor the Cerebral Palsy League ofQueensland by signing up for a muchdeserved breakfast.Once again, the League has beenchosen as a beneficiary for fundsraised through catering and apercentage of corporate entry fees.A small team of League entrants ranthe race last year, but we would liketo blitz that number this year, byoffering big incentives to all CerebralPalsy League of Queensland staff,clients and supporters to participatethis year.Gather up friends and family and jointhe League team.Come up with a theme and dress upto make the event less like hard workand more like fun.It’s a great morning so pleaseencourage others to join in.If you would like an entry form orfurther information on availablebreakfast package options, contact:The Events CoordinatorPh: 07 3358 8088rlucas@cplqld.org.auCarholder’s signature:_____________________________Expiry date: ____ / ____Name: ________________________Company: __________________________________________________Address: ________________________________________________________________________________Suburb: _______________________State: _______ Postcode: _________Phone: ________________________Email: ________________________Q U E E N S L A N D1800 819 086www.cplqld.org.auCerebral Palsy League of QueenslandPO Box 386 Fortitude Valley Q 4006Thank you so much for caringDonations are fully tax deductible16From the CEOMOST readers of League Newswould be aware by now that theLeague is refurbishing its head officebuilding in Oxlade Drive at NewFarm.The refurbishment is on track andis due for completion in May.Staff based at New Farm will moveback into the building over the Easterlong weekend and hopefully this willminimise any disruption to servicedelivery.After this, the car park and accessfrom Turner Avenue will becompleted to finish the project.The process of developing a newcorporate plan is going well.Keryn Fox has conducted over 40workshops across the Leagueseeking input from clients, familiesand staff to the future direction of theorganisation.Thank you to everybody who hasattended these workshops and hadyour say.A final workshop, to develop the keystrategic issues, will be held withrepresentatives of the keystakeholder groups on Saturday 16April.As you will read elsewhere in thisedition of League News, LaurieLassig has resigned as Chairmanand Director of the League.I would like to wish Laurie and hiswife, Carolyn, all the best in theirnew adventure of living and workingoverseas.On behalf of everybody associatedwith the League, I would like to saythank you to Laurie for histremendous contribution to theLeague over the last 16 years. Ithas been a pleasure to work withhim and I know the organisation willmiss him.Bruce MilliganChief Executive Officer